A nurse is providing discharge instructions for a client who has congestive heart failure. Which of the following client statements indicates to the nurse that the teaching was effective?

Choice A reason: Taking a diuretic before sleep increases nocturia, disrupting sleep and worsening fatigue in congestive heart failure. Effective teaching would emphasize morning diuretic administration to promote daytime diuresis, reducing fluid overload without nighttime disturbances, making this statement incorrect as it indicates poor understanding. Choice B reason: Slowing down when tired after exercise reflects effective teaching, as it shows the patient understands pacing activities to avoid overexertion in congestive heart failure. This prevents excessive cardiac workload, reducing the risk of exacerbation, as the heart’s reduced pumping capacity requires careful energy management. Choice C reason: Limiting sodium to 4 grams per day is too high for congestive heart failure, where 1.5–2 grams is recommended to prevent fluid retention. This statement indicates ineffective teaching, as high sodium intake exacerbates fluid overload, increasing cardiac strain and worsening heart failure symptoms. Choice D reason: Using naproxen, an NSAID, is contraindicated in congestive heart failure, as it promotes fluid retention and worsens cardiac function by inhibiting prostaglandins that regulate renal perfusion. This statement shows a misunderstanding, as effective teaching would emphasize avoiding NSAIDs to prevent exacerbation of heart failure.